Hunter Czajkowski, MPH
University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM)
San Antonio, TX
Member Since: 2025
Why did you join AAOS?
I joined AAOS to engage with a national organization dedicated to advancing orthopaedic education, research, and patient care. As a medical student with a strong interest in orthopaedics and outcomes research, AAOS has provided meaningful opportunities to learn from leaders in the field and contribute to the orthopaedic community.
What are you looking forward to most about AAOS?
I am most looking forward to continued involvement in AAOS conferences, educational programming, and mentorship opportunities. Having already attended and presented research at AAOS, I value the connections I’ve made with peers and mentors and look forward to further learning, collaboration, and professional growth through future meetings.
What interested you about orthopaedics?
My interest in orthopaedics began as a college athlete in gymnastics and track and field, where I experienced multiple orthopaedic injuries firsthand. Through those experiences, my surgeon, who became an incredible mentor, introduced me to the specialty and allowed me to shadow starting in high school. I have known I wanted to pursue orthopaedics since I was 15, inspired by the field’s ability to restore function and by mentors like Dr. Nata Parnes, an AAOS member who exemplifies excellence in patient care, teaching, and mentorship.
What is the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
The best advice I was ever given came from my college track coach when I attempted the heptathlon for the first time. He told me that most people never try something new because they’re afraid of being bad at it, and that real growth comes from learning to be comfortable being uncomfortable and willing to struggle before you improve. I apply this mindset daily in medical school and in my pursuit of orthopaedics by embracing steep learning curves, seeking feedback, and viewing challenges as opportunities to improve rather than obstacles.
What's one thing you're currently trying to make a habit?
I’m currently trying to make weekly Sunday night candlelit yoga a habit. It’s a way to force myself to slow down in an otherwise busy schedule, reset for the week ahead, and get in a really great stretch!
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I run a lot (usually slowly), having completed eight half marathons and one full marathon, and I’m currently working toward my first triathlon—with an Ironman on the long-term wish list. I also enjoy yoga, reading, and pretty much any new physical activity I can convince myself to try.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know.
A surprising fun fact about me is that I’m also an adjunct professor at SUNY Brockport and hold a Master of Public Health (MPH). While in medical school, I teach undergraduate Foundations of Health Education (PBH 302) and graduate-level courses including Advanced Nutrition (PBH 601) and Principles and Philosophy of Health Education (PBH 602). I genuinely love teaching and working with students!